The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation joined Original Composites & Fiberglass, formerly part of Owens Corning, for a special light-off ceremony celebrating a major investment in the company’s longtime Amarillo manufacturing facility.
“Today, we are here to light a furnace – but what we are really celebrating is much bigger than that,” Dr. Andreas Eckstein, CEDC Executive Director and CEO, said on Aug. 13. “We are celebrating an investment today. We are celebrating jobs. We are celebrating American manufacturing. And most importantly, we are celebrating confidence in Amarillo.”
“This facility (Owens Corning) has been part of our community for nearly half a century. Generations of Amarillo-area workers have built products here, supported their families here, and contributed to the strength of our regional economy,” said Eckstein. “And today, we begin another chapter in that history with an investment of $10 million and up to 165 full-time jobs.”
He said the company is investing approximately $10 million to bring the facility’s second glass furnace production line back online after an unanticipated glass leak in 2023.
The Amarillo plant previously operated as part of Owens Corning’s Glass Reinforcements business, which was acquired by Praana Group in May 2026 and now operates as Original Composites & Fiberglass.
Eckstein continued, “Through a Location Incentive Agreement with the AEDC, the project is expected to create up to 165 full-time positions with an average annual salary of at least $70,000, representing significant additional annual payroll for the Amarillo area.”
“Original Composites & Fiberglass’ continued investment and job creation in Amarillo is a strong vote of confidence in our community, our workforce, and our business environment,” said Eckstein. “Projects like this demonstrate why Amarillo continues to be a competitive location for advanced manufacturing. We are proud to support Original Composites & Fiberglass as they strengthen their operations here, and we look forward to being a long-term partner in their continued growth for many years to come.”
The Aug. 13 event was held to celebrate the ignition of the plant’s refurbished furnace and was an important step toward returning the production line to operation. The event included a plant tour followed by the light-off ceremony at the facility, located at 1701 Hollywood Road.
The company’s investment will expand the Amarillo facility’s capacity to produce glass fiber for wind energy, infrastructure, industrial, transportation, and consumer applications.
“Relighting of the Amarillo furnace supports increased ‘Made in America’ production, creating new jobs and positioning the facility as our flagship U.S. manufacturing location,” said Original Composites & Fiberglass CEO Marcio Sandri. “As proud members of the Amarillo community for nearly half a century, we appreciate the support of AEDC and the Randall County Commissioners in helping to make this plant an even more competitive option for future investment and jobs creation.”
The project strengthens one of Amarillo’s longstanding manufacturing facilities while creating high-quality employment opportunities, marking an important step forward for the future and growth of advanced manufacturing in Amarillo.
Nell Williams is a staff writer covering trends and other news for the Amarillo Globe-News. Have a story idea? Email her at nwilliams@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo EDC celebrates light-off ceremony for returning manufacturer
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
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By Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News | USA TODAY Network
